5th Airborne/Sidewinder Pin Box and Curt 5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Ford F-250

Question:

Have a 2018 f 250 short bed with the factory pucks. I am looking at possible fifth wheel set ups. would like a lighter hitch than an auto slider. What do you think about the reese airborn air ride with sidewinder and the Curt A16 for a max of 15k trailer?

asked by: Scott J

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 5th Airborne/Sidewinder pin boxes are fantastic options for towing a trailer with a short bed truck. This way you can use a lighter fixed hitch and also not every have to mess with activating a slider mechanism.

You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

For a rail kit you'd then want the B&W part # BWRVK2402 which is a confirmed custom fit. Custom fit options are the way to go as they minimize drilling and install time over universal kits. Then the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 would be a great option to be paired with the sidewinder, but you'll also need Sidewinder Wedge # C16991.